Volume 43 Number 12 August 2001
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am
gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My
yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-30
Due to various reasons, whether it be a lack of self-control, or a
desire to experiment with the depths of the carnal side of man, we have
many in our society with broken and frustrated lives. This percentage
seems to have grown considerably over the past generation when compared
to other generations of this nation’s history. This may be due to man’s
attempts to stretch what he calls “freedom” to its limits. The outcome
of sinful indulgences is seen in many lives today.
We see such a large number of people who struggle with dependencies on
alcohol, illegal drugs, fornication and adultery, covetousness, and other
forms of sin and bondage. These dependencies destroy lives, for they
strangle the spirit into utter submission to the flesh. As people delve
deeper and deeper into their flesh they destroy the gift of life and the
ability to choose what is right as a guide to their lives. Worse yet,
when they come to realize their inevitable destruction, many turn further
away from the Lord by seeking and submitting to man’s wisdom as an
answer. Unfortunately they end up in much worse straits then when they
began. This continues a cycle that few can come out of and none can be
truly free of without the Lord’s mercy and grace.
Fortunately there are a few looking for a way out. This number has the
courage to consider their lives for what they are: lives decimated by sin
from choices inconsistent with God’s will. They recognize they are paying
the price for their rebellion. Many thought they knew better than God and
chose their own “way”, but some now can see the harm their choices have
led to. It is this recognition that encourages them to desire to change
their lives. This change of mind and attitude takes courage, for it is
not easy to admit wrong, especially when it is in a cycle that is
spiraling out of control.
We, as God’s children, have the answer; the truth which is the only way
out of such cycles. This claim is not from our own righteousness, but it
comes from the Christ that died and gave His life as an answer. He is at
the root of this message of hope we bear. As the Way, the Truth, and the
Life, Christ pleads for those in such a destructive cycle of sin to
submit to His will and find escape and peace. His is the only answer and
His life the only claim to righteousness and freedom. The only way out of
such destruction is submitting to Christ’s gospel of salvation.
Consider the following song used by permission written by Alena Baker of
the Bakersfield, CA, church that I think is an especially pertinent
invitation to the grace of God:
Listen closely, as we sing to Him; Weary sinner, He is calling.
Listen closely, hear His voice so sweet, troubled spirit, He is calling.
Come now, He’ll lift your burden, give Him glory, praise His name.
Oh come quickly, heed His pleading, lift your hands and praise His name.
Alleluia, Alleluia, give your life to Great Jehovah.
Alleluia, He is calling, listen closely, praise the Lord.